Marquez knocks out Pacquiao in round 6

BOXING

Associated Press

Updated 11:38 pm, Saturday, December 8, 2012

LAS VEGAS -- Juan Manuel Marquez knocked Manny Pacquiao out cold with a vicious right hand at the end of the sixth round Saturday night, putting a ferocious end to the fourth fight between the two boxers.

Pacquiao had been down in the third round but knocked Marquez down in the fifth, and the two were exchanging heavy blows in the sixth round before Marquez threw a right hand that flattened Pacquiao face down on the canvas at 2:59 of the round.

The referee waved the fight to an end as Marquez celebrated and the sold-out crowd at the MGM Grand erupted. Pacquiao was down for about two minutes before his handlers managed to get him up.

After being helped to his corner, Pacquiao sat on a stool, blew his nose and stared vacantly ahead as his handlers cut his gloves off. It was a stunning end to a furious fight and it may have signaled the end of Pacquiao's career.

Marquez had vowed to finally beat Pacquiao after losing two close fights and settling for a draw in the first fight. But after Pacquiao knocked him down in the fifth round and was landing big left hands, it looked as though it would be Pacquiao's night.

Manny Pacquiao is down for the count after a sixth-round right from Juan Manuel Marquez.

Manny Pacquiao is down for the count after a sixth-round right from Juan Manuel Marquez.

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Manny Pacquiao lays face down on the mat after being knocked out in the sixth round by Juan Manuel Marquez during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Manny Pacquiao lays face down on the mat after being knocked out in the sixth round by Juan Manuel Marquez during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, lies on the canvas as referee Kenny Bayless kneels nearby after being knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, in the sixth round of their WBO world welterweight fight Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison) less

Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, lies on the canvas as referee Kenny Bayless kneels nearby after being knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, in the sixth round of their WBO world welterweight ... more

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Juan Manuel Marquez knocks down Manny Pacquiao in the third round during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Juan Manuel Marquez knocks down Manny Pacquiao in the third round during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Juan Manuel Marquez throws a left to the face of Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: (L-R) Juan Manuel Marquez throws a left to the face of Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Manny Pacquiao lays face down on the mat after being knocked out in the sixth round as Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Manny Pacquiao lays face down on the mat after being knocked out in the sixth round as Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, knocks out Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, in the sixth round of their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)

Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, knocks out Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, in the sixth round of their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)

Photo: Eric Jamison, Associated Press

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With Manny Pacquiao down and out, Juan Manuel Marquez is directed to his corner.

With Manny Pacquiao down and out, Juan Manuel Marquez is directed to his corner.

Photo: Eric Jamison, Associated Press

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Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, left, sends Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, to the mat in the fifth round of their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez went on to win the bout by a knockout. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison) less

Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, left, sends Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, to the mat in the fifth round of their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez went on to ... more

Hands reach in ringside to support the head of Manny Pacquiao after he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / John GurzinskiJOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/Getty Images less

Hands reach in ringside to support the head of Manny Pacquiao after he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / John GurzinskiJOHN ... more

Photo: John Gurzinski, AFP/Getty Images

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Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, lifts himself from the canvas as referee Kenny Bayless stands by after being knocked down in the third round of his WBO world welterweight fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison) less

Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, lifts himself from the canvas as referee Kenny Bayless stands by after being knocked down in the third round of his WBO world welterweight fight against Juan Manuel ... more

Photo: Eric Jamison, Associated Press

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Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, and Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, trade blows during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won the fight by a knockout. Referee Kenny Bayless looks on at left. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) less

Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, and Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, trade blows during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won the fight by a ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, Associated Press

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Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, lands a right to the head of Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won by a knockout. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) less

Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, lands a right to the head of Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won by a ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, Associated Press

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Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, right, stands in the ring with Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, after losing by a knockout in their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) less

Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, right, stands in the ring with Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, after losing by a knockout in their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP ... more

Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, connects against Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won by a knockout. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison) less

Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, connects against Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won by a knockout. (AP ... more

Photo: Eric Jamison, Associated Press

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Trainer Freddie Roach stands in the ring after his fighter, Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, lost to Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, by a knockout in their WBO world welterweight fight Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison) less

Trainer Freddie Roach stands in the ring after his fighter, Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, lost to Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, by a knockout in their WBO world welterweight fight Sunday, Dec. 9, ... more

Photo: Eric Jamison, Associated Press

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Actor Steven Seagal in the ring before Manny Pacquiao takes on Juan Manuel Marquez in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Actor Steven Seagal in the ring before Manny Pacquiao takes on Juan Manuel Marquez in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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Referee Kenny Bayless calls the fight as he kneels over Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, after he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) less

Referee Kenny Bayless calls the fight as he kneels over Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, after he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, Associated Press

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Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, connects against Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, as referee Kenny Bayless looks on at left, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. Marquez won the fight by a knockout. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) less

Juan Manuel Marquez, from Mexico, right, connects against Manny Pacquiao, from the Philippines, as referee Kenny Bayless looks on at left, during their WBO world welterweight fight Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in ... more

Photo: Julie Jacobson, Associated Press

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Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after he knocked out Manny Pacquiao in the 6th round of their welterweight fight on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / John GurzinskiJOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/Getty Images less

Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after he knocked out Manny Pacquiao in the 6th round of their welterweight fight on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / John GurzinskiJOHN ... more

Photo: John Gurzinski, AFP/Getty Images

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Referee Kenny Bayless (C) holds back Juan Manuel Marquez (R) as Manny Pacquiao (L) lies face down on the mat after being knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO / John GurzinskiJOHN GURZINSKI/AFP/Getty Images less

Referee Kenny Bayless (C) holds back Juan Manuel Marquez (R) as Manny Pacquiao (L) lies face down on the mat after being knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden in Las ... more

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Manny Pacquiao is knocked down in the third round while taking on Juan Manuel Marquez during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) less

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 08: Manny Pacquiao is knocked down in the third round while taking on Juan Manuel Marquez during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, ... more

Photo: Al Bello, Getty Images

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Marquez knocks out Pacquiao in round 6

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The two came out for the sixth round and the pace was just as relentless. Both were landing big punches and both were brawling when suddenly as the round neared a close Marquez shot out a right hand that landed flush to the jaw of Pacquiao, who crumpled to the canvas in a heap.

Pacquiao was aggressive from the opening bell, but paid the price in the third round when he got hit by a Marquez right hand that put him down.

Pacquiao got back up and seemingly took control of the fight, dropping Marquez in the fifth round and landing the bigger punches until he was dropped. "I got hit by a punch I didn't see," Pacquiao said.